Emeli Sandé has scooped the BRIT Award for 'Best Female Solo Artist'.

The 'Clown' hitmaker - who is nominated for three awards during tonight's ceremony in London - beat off stiff competition from Paloma Faith, Amy Winehouse, Bat For Lashes and Jessie Ware in the coveted category.

Sandé was presented the first award of the night by country songstress Taylor Swift - who is also performing later on in the show.

Taking to the stage to announce the nominees, Swift jokingly introduced herself as an international act, claiming she doesn't possess "a cool accent".

After reading out the nominees, Swift congratulated Sandé on the first win of the night.

In her acceptance speech for the coveted gong, the Scottish songstress thanked her "wonderful" family and "incredible" husband for their support over the past few years.

She gushed: "This feels amazing. This is incredible. I'm so happy to win this award. Wow, I don't really know what to say."